Building Teacher/Counselor Relationships

Hoping to get a great recommendation letter for college admission or a scholarship or even a summer program?  It’s hard to write a recommendation for someone you don’t know.  You need to have strong relationships with your teachers and counselor.  Here are 3 tips to building good relationships. 

1. Face Time!  No – not that kind of FaceTime.  This face time is the time you spend in face-to-face contact with your teacher/counselor.  Make sure your counselor or teachers know you personally by being present and on time for class, appointments, or school activities.  Drop by the teacher’s room or your counselor’s office during lunch, breaks or after school.  Get to know your teachers/counselor and give them opportunities to get to know you. 
2. Speak up!  Make your voice heard by asking questions in class.  Share thoughts and ideas.  Be an active participant in class or on campus.  Don’t be afraid to voice your thoughts or opinions. 
3. Stand out!  Make yourself known.  Be involved in a club or student body activity.  Each activity has a faculty/staff advisor.  Get to know that person.  Pick 1-3 things that pique your interest and be a productive and committed member to those activities (rather than doing every activity available).  Volunteer for leadership roles in those activities.